New cancer unit ready to open

Oak Lawn facility asked patients for design suggestions

Norman Briggs flashed a grin before opening the door to Advocate Christ Hospital and Medical Center's new oncology unit for the four cancer patients he was about to lead on a tour.

"It's going to be a treat for you," said Briggs, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer 13 years ago and took part in focus groups that helped plan the facility, scheduled to open this month.

The expressions on the patients' faces seemed to brighten last week as they walked through the spacious, state-of-the-art facility on the third floor of the Oak Lawn hospital, receiving hugs from nursing and medical staff and getting the chance to pet about a dozen therapy dogs on hand to greet them.

The 22-room unit has natural light -- rather than fluorescent glare -- soothing beige walls with pictures of scenic landscapes, hardwood floors, and wider hallways than the current oncology facility on the 11th floor.

Patients in the newly opened center will have private rooms with a bath and a daybed for families who spend the night. Each patient room also has a flat-screen TV, DVD player, wireless Internet access and a personal refrigerator. A carpeted family room with comfortable couch and chairs, table, TV and computer, as well as an education-resource room will also be available to patients and families.

"How wonderful. Oh, my gosh, I am so excited," said Geri Jacobs, 61, who was diagnosed with lung, brain and liver cancer this year. "I'll be so happy to have my own room.

"If I had to get cancer ... I'm glad I'm here with it. The staff have just been wonderful," added Jacobs, who lives in Evergreen Park.

Amenities, like weekly pet therapy, will be easier to provide because of the private rooms and wider hallways. Guided imagery therapy, music therapy, hand and facial massage and beautician services are also available.

Briggs, 74, of Chicago, said he felt honored when hospital staff asked him to introduce the new unit to other patients and grateful when they listened to the focus group's ideas.

His suggestions included lowering sinks and soap basins for wheelchair patients, touching up the walls and giving new patients stiffer combs, to make it easier for African-Americans like himself.

"There are some things patients would notice before nurses or doctors because they're in the room all the time," said Briggs, who was also on the hospital's governing council. "I think that was a form of the hospital reaching out to patients. ... The fact they showed they cared meant a lot to me."

Dr. Robert Stein, a hematologist and vice president of medical management at the hospital, said the upbeat setting would make it more conducive to the hospital's mission of providing the highest-quality care possible.

"It's just a soothing, comforting environment for very sick patients," Stein said.

The $4.5 million unit, which comprises more than 13,300 square feet, was funded by physician groups and individual donors. In addition to oncologists and hematologists, the unit is overseen by oncology nurses, registered dieticians, therapists, social workers and chaplains. It will open to patients at the end of April.